Moon River Episode 10 Review: Royal Betrayals

Episode 9 focuses on Lee Gang and Dal-i growing closer as they learn to trust one another, while Lee Un and U-hui dream of a future away from palace control. Han-chul becomes increasingly aggressive, tightening his grip and pushing the King into a corner.

Moon River Episode 10 runs about 60 minutes.

This new Korean drama consists of 14 episodes, with one episode released every Friday and Saturday. The series takes over MBC’s drama To The Moon.

Moon River Episode 10 Recap

Moon River episode 10 delivers a powerful shock, revealing the hidden reason behind the King’s unwavering loyalty to the Left Councillor Han-chul. At the beginning of the episode, U-hui is determined to escape the confines of palace politics and be with Lee Un. She succeeds in running away with him, risking everything for love. However, just as freedom seems within reach, Han-chul is released from custody by the King himself. His new mission is brutal and straightforward: to finish what he once started and eliminate Dal-i for good.

A disturbing flashback reveals the origin of Han-chul’s influence over the King. It turns out that years ago, Han-chul murdered the King’s own brothers. He manipulated the chaos that followed to ensure the King would rise to the throne. In return, he forced the King to write a pact granting Han-chul the highest level of protection and privilege.

This document allows him to commit atrocities while remaining untouchable. Even more horrifying, Han-chul was responsible for the death of the Queen Dowager. The King knew this truth and allowed it to happen only because Han-chul demanded that his daughter U-hui be made Crown Princess, a role the Queen Dowager had wished for Dal-i instead.

While Lee Un and U-hui share a brief moment of happiness during their escape, and Lee Gang and Dal-i enjoy a rare peaceful time together, everything quickly falls apart. Lee Gang is stunned when Han-chul returns to the palace as though nothing has happened. He confronts his father seeking answers. The King finally admits the full story of the pact and the terrible debt he owes Han-chul. Disgusted and heartbroken, Lee Gang sees his father in a disgraceful new light.

The search for Lee Un and U-hui intensifies. Han-chul hunts them down and catches up with them. Lee Un fights desperately to protect U-hui, but Han-chul’s forces overpower them. Just in time, Lee Gang arrives and asserts his authority. He commands that no one is to harm Lee Un, as he carries royal blood. Lee Gang also declares that since everyone knows U-hui has run away, she can no longer be considered as the future Crown Princess, so she should be allowed to marry freely. Han-chul refuses to accept her defiance. He drags her away while she boldly resists him, no longer afraid to oppose her tyrannical father.

Meanwhile, back in the palace, the King orders the Royal Concubine’s chamber to be burned once more, hoping this will force Dal-i to leave and disappear forever. Dal-i goes to the chamber and encounters a maid who is stunned by her appearance. The maid insists that Dal-i looks exactly like the late Crown Princess, except for a missing mole on her nose. Dal-i freezes, remembering how her aunt always told her to hide that same mole.

As Dal-i steps deeper into the chamber, memories flood back to her. Painful visions, once buried, now resurface. She recalls Hong Nan’s role in her past and confronts her directly, demanding to know why she deceived her. The episode ends on this tense and emotional revelation, with Dal-i finally awakening to the truth of her identity.

Moon River Episode 10 Review

Episode 10 heightens the stakes with gripping revelations that shake the palace to its core. The long-guarded secret behind the King’s dependence on Han-chul turns the story darker than ever before. Betrayal, guilt and manipulation drive the emotional tension, proving that political power in this kingdom comes at a devastating price. Lee Gang’s growing disillusionment with his father adds remarkable character depth, while U-hui’s rebellion marks an empowering milestone that challenges the patriarchal systems controlling the royal court.

Dal-i’s storyline reaches a dramatic turning point as memories begin flooding back, drawing her closer to uncovering her real identity. The blend of romance, suspense and tragedy is executed masterfully, making this episode both heartbreaking and thrilling. As long-hidden truths emerge, the battle for justice and love becomes even more personal. With new conflicts igniting, the episode sets the stage for an explosive continuation that promises even more heart-stopping twists.

Also read: Moon River Season 1 Review